The importance of insurance

The Foreign Office has today published research showing that
young people are more likely to buy a present for their host than
take out a travel insurance policy. And with over 12 million
British nationals planning to visit friends and family abroad this
year, according to a survey by Opinion Matters, this is worrying
news.

Figures also show that a third of people did not take out travel
insurance the last time they stayed with friends and family
overseas. A new Foreign Office campaign, Know Before You Go, aims
to change this figure by highlighting the importance of taking out
comprehensive travel insurance.

It is believed that many people don't think about taking out
insurance when visiting friends overseas because they feel somehow
safer than they would in a country where they didn't know anyone.
This is not the case. According to the Opinion Matters survey, 39%
of British nationals have ended up relying on their host when
things have gone wrong during their trip.

Instead of relying on the host to cover any unexpected medical
bills, the Foreign Office is urging Britons to take insurance
rather than a gift. Dean Churm, British Consul for Florida, said:
"What would your host appreciate more? A box of teabags or dealing
with a hefty medical bill because you had an accident and were not
insured? Getting comprehensive travel insurance means that whilst
an accident may disrupt your holiday, it won't bankrupt you in
extortionate medical or repatriation bills."